We are training men to work in environments where there will be children and vulnerable people present, therefore they must have a complete understanding of safeguarding.
We deliver substantial safeguarding training to our students here at Oscott. All seminarians receive formal safeguarding training, completing three CSSA modules across years 1, 3 and 6 of their training. In their sixth year, seminarians have to prepare and deliver the annual safeguarding update and training session to the whole college, including all seminarians and staff.
In our approach to safeguarding training, we cover the CSSA modules but want to go beyond policies and procedures. We hope to develop authentic men, who can understand how to develop effective boundaries, how to maintain these and how to reflect. Our ethos is that everything we do in human formation is about safeguarding, whether it be formal safeguarding training, creating a safe environment for all, or training students to be safe guardians.
St Mary’s College, Oscott has a zero-tolerance policy to all abuse.
Reporting Abuse
If you are concerned about the welfare of a child or adult at risk, do not delay in contacting the police, using 999 if a child or adult is believed to be in immediate danger.
It is the policy of the Catholic Church in England and Wales to report all allegations of abuse to statutory authorities, regardless of whether the abuse occurred recently or in the past, or whether the accused person is living or deceased.
As per the code of conduct, if you are in any role within the Catholic Church in England and Wales you must refer allegations directly to the Safeguarding Team in your diocese, religious congregation, or the police. You must also refer all safeguarding allegations to the safeguarding representative at St Mary’s College (0121 321 5049 - safeguarding@oscott.org) or to the college rector (0121 321 5035 - michael.dolman@oscott.org).
All college activities should provide a safe environment which promotes and supports the wellbeing of everyone and protects them from harm.
The Catholic Church in England and Wales has committed to a common set of national safeguarding standards to help protect children and adults who may be vulnerable or at risk. The college has a safeguarding representative, a trustee responsible for safeguarding, and the college rector, who has oversight of that work.
St Mary’s College has a safeguarding policy and safeguarding training procedures.
If you have a safeguarding concern please see our Reporting Policy which gives clear guidance on what to do next.
Contact our Safeguarding Representative Jayne Tomkinson
Our team of dedicated staff would be happy to connect with you and answer any questions that you have about our work.
We are blessed with a fantastic staff who care passionately about forming the next generation of priests.
